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Challenging Descent-Based Slavery in West Africa

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Challenging Descent-Based Slavery in West Africa Final Evaluation of Civil Society Challenge Fund project: Challenging Descent-based Slavery In West Africa Carolyn Norris 21 May 2012 1 Table of Contents Abbreviations and acronyms 2 Section 1 Basic Information 3 Section 2 Executive Summary 4 Section 3 Achievement Rating Scale 5 Section 4 Introduction to the Project 10 Section 5 The Evaluation Methodology 12 Section 6 Full Evaluation of Project (Including case studies) 14 6.1 Events and case studies indicating impact and 14 results of project activities 6.2 Relevance - how far the project empowered 19 target groups 6.3 Equity 22 6.4 Efficiency 23 6.5 Effectiveness – Output by Output 24 6.6 Impact 33 6.7 Sustainability 34 6.8 Replicability 36 6.9 Contribution to CSCF Objectives 37 6.10 Contribution to the Millennium Development 38 Goals 6.11 Lessons Learned 39 6.12 Information, dissemination and networking 40 Section 7 Recommendations 41 Section 8 Summary of lessons learned indicating with whom 43 and how lessons should be shared Annex 1 Terms of Reference for Evaluation 44 Annex 2 Name and contact details of evaluator and signed 51 declaration of independence Annex 3 Evaluation Schedule 52 Annex 4 List of people met 53 Annex 5 Final logical framework 56 1 Abbreviations and acronyms: ACHPR AFCF Association Femmes Chef de Famille AMDH Association Malienne des Droits de l’Homme Association Mauritanienne des Droits de l’Homme ASI Anti-Slavery International CODDHD Collectif des Organisations de Défense des Droits de l’Homme et de la Démocratie CNDH Commission Nationale des Droits de l’Homme DFID Department for International Development FONADH Forum des Organisations Nationales des Droits de l’Homme GARI Groupement des Artisans Ruraux d’Intadeyni ILRF International Labor Rights Forum IRA Initiative pour la Résurgence Abolitionniste ISLP International Senior Law Project MRG Minority Rights Group OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ORDH Organisation pour la Restauration de la Dignité Humaine OSJI Open Society Justice Initiative PESE Programme d’éradication des séquelles de l’esclavage RDM-TANIFILI Réagir dans le Monde - TANIFILI UNDP United Nations Development Program UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UPR Universal Periodic Review 2 Section 1: Basic Information: Project Title Challenging Descent Based Slavery in West Africa UK Agency Name Anti-Slavery International Thomas Clarkson House The Stableyard Broomgrove Road London SW9 9TL CSCF Number CSCF 0397 Project Start and End April 2007 – March 2012 Dates Countries Mauritania, Mali and Niger Project Partners SOS Esclaves, Nouakchott,Mauritania Temedt, Bamako, Mali Gari, Menaka, Mali Timidria, Niamey, Niger Evaluator Carolyn Norris Timing of Evaluation Contract signed : 13 December 2011 In country interviews with partners : 27 February to 13 March 2012 Draft report submitted: 12 April 2012 Final report submitted: 18 May 2012 3 Section 2: Executive Summary Challenging the ingrained practice of slavery in politically volatile countries is an ambitious goal. This evaluation, based on documentary analysis, short visits to Mauritania, Mali and Niger hosted by partner organisations, and discussions with ASI staff in London, provides an overview of what has been achieved and its impact. The evaluation starts with a series of case studies selected to highlight some examples of significant progress made by this project including the first prosecution under Mauritania’s new slavery law, the first master to be questioned in court in Mali and the release of five additional slaves in Niger as a result of magistrates’ training. The cases are again referred to under the specified headings. The results indicate that the project approach of providing economic support and legal assistance for individuals of slave-descent, training magistrates, conducting research, building the capacity of partners and raising awareness while building an activist network was an effective one. With limited resources, it has built on existing strengths to professionalise work against slavery in Mali, Mauritania and Niger, engage with national governments as well as the international community and bring economic autonomy for some former slaves. The research component proved the most difficult, with only Niger’s Wahaya (or fifth wife) report being published during the project; this reported generated significant publicity and had a clearly positive impact. Mali’s report was already delayed but publication in country was thwarted by the military coup. Mauritania’s report had to be shelved. The major block to fundamental change remains the lack of political will to challenge the status quo which suits vested interests. For example, each court case represents a victory, but there is no sign of any official momentum to pro-actively prosecute slave owners. This report recommends some future approaches, including building on the success of the standard-setting Ecowas court ruling against Niger with other test cases, exploring links between slavery and conflict and ensuring comprehensive approaches - by government and its development partners - to tackle the discrimination which underpins slavery. Sustainability beyond the life of this project is not guaranteed. Significant progress has been made, yet the goals set are long-term and success has already led to increased demand for assistance. The partners are dependent on additional funding despite their strong community roots and the diversification of their funding sources. Given the precariousness of the gains, the strong partnership ASI has with each organisation and the growing strength of the network remain important elements of support. This project has achieved well in a politically hostile environment by strengthening partnerships and building capacity and by adopting strategic approaches both nationally and internationally. 4 Section 3: Achievement Rating Scale 1 = fully achieved, very few or no shortcomings 2 = largely achieved, despite a few shortcomings 3 = only partially achieved, benefits and shortcomings finely balanced 4 = very limited achievement, extensive shortcomings 5 = not achieved ARS for Progress against Comments on changes over the whole Baseline Value for the indicators Log frame Indicators whole project period, including project indicators (refer to milestones period if applicable) unintended impacts Purpose Legislative changes Only Niger has anti- Mauritania and This is a major achievement. incorporating slavery law; Niger have anti- Persistent lobbying will be required Anti-slavery definitions/prohibitions slavery laws. for the laws to be routinely applied. legislation is Partner of slavery that can be Substantial legal reform in Mali established and enforced: (law organisations or All partners have remains elusive for political reasons implemented; 2 criminalising slavery their developed their although the project did ignite the and victims of in Mali and representatives engagement with debate and slavery is partially dealt slavery receive Mauritania; number of unwilling and/or policy-makers and with by the trafficking law. support (legal, cases brought for unable to are increasingly economic and slavery crimes) appropriately becoming a point of In Niger these activities have been psycho-social) engage with policy- reference for funded from other sources. All have through the Amendments to Penal makers; magistrates, provided legal support which is Code and inclusion of strengthening government human challenging legal provisions to tackle of grassroots mentions of slavery in Support was ad hoc rights commission slavery. Over 600 have received anti-slavery anti-trafficking law in and recording by and other key micro-credit and more than 10 have movements in Mali; Partners partners erratic players. received legal support. Mali, Mauritania confident in their and Niger ability to engage with Partners in 1/2 policy-makers; face to Mauritania and Mali face and through have provided campaigning or micro-credit to 5 ARS for Progress against Comments on changes over the whole Baseline Value for the indicators Log frame Indicators whole project period, including project indicators (refer to milestones period if applicable) unintended impacts advocacy initiatives; former slaves with Number of former good results which slaves accessing appear sustainable. micro-credit and legal/psychosocial support Output 1 - The Research studies Preliminary study Research published All partners gained useful research nature and about slavery are about slavery in in Niger along with experience and learned lessons. extent of Mali: 2 conducted in Mali, Niger conducted in advocacy; wide Niger’s head of State publicly descent-based Mauritania and Niger; 2003; range of responded to report committing Niger: 2 slavery and Recommendations stakeholders are government to ending slavery. States deny slavery associated drawn from the aware of slavery Mali’s report had not been published Mauritania: exists and do not discrimination assessment inform and work together at the time the project ended, but 4 engage with CSOs. is assessed advocacy strategies to press for law has significant potential to increase and solutions reform and awareness. for eradication assistance for are presented victims of slavery. 6 ARS for Progress against Comments on changes over the whole Baseline Value for the indicators Log frame Indicators whole project period, including project indicators (refer to milestones period if applicable) unintended impacts Output 2 - Slavery is made a Slavery is a crime Slavery is Legislative
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